Question

What are the problems caused by the non-bio degradable wastes that we degenerate?

Answer 1

Hint: Wastes are categorised into biodegradable and non biodegradable. Non biodegradable wastes are the wastes that do not decompose, and they accumulate in the soil .

Complete answer:
Wastes are categorised into biodegradable and non biodegradable .Non biodegradable wastes are those that do not disintegrate naturally. For example chemicals like DDT,plastics,some paints, rubber, these substances do not degrade easily and retain in our environment life long. These substances are synthesized artificially hence their decaying or disintegration is not possible and it causes many problems for us and also to our environment.
Some of the problems are as follows:
1)Pollution – Non-biodegradable waste accumulates in our environment and causes different types of pollution such as water pollution, soil pollution, air pollution etc.
a)Water pollution –When these wastes disposed of in water bodies such as river lake etc it causes water pollution. It do not disintegrate and it is harmful to aquatic organisms
b)Air pollution- When we burn these wastes they generate harmful gases to the atmosphere and it creates a lot of diseases to human beings and it is harmful to the lives of living organisms
c)Soil pollution-These wastes seep into the soil and makes the soil less fertile making it acidic or alkaline. Plants cannot survive in this type of soil. The structure of the soil, pH of the soil, microorganisms present in the soil all will be destroyed due to this type of wastes

2)Biological magnification-The wastes like pesticides from soil enter into the plants and pass each trophic level of our food chain. They accumulate in each trophic level and this process is known as biological magnification .This is very harmful for every organism. Bio magnification is used by chemicals like mercury, DDT etc
3)Clogging of drains- Clogging means these non-biodegradable wastes accumulate above the soil and it becomes a mass and it prevents the connection between soil and atmosphere. The rainwater does not penetrate the soil and it becomes dry.
4)Ecological imbalance- Non-biodegradable wastes cause a lot of hazardous effect to our environment .when the plants face threat due to these wastes our food chain disturbed. Some animals destroyed also cause ecological imbalance.
5)Death of cattle and fishes due to the intake and indigestion of wastes

Note: Biodegradable wastes decompose into the environment and it is useful to our environment. For example waste of plants, animals, paper, decayed fruits, decayed vegetables all are biodegradable and it serves as useful fertilizer to our earth. They degrade naturally and become a part of our environment without any bad effects.